Search Results for: pta

An Unacceptable Use of Duct Tape

Duct tape has been used to fix many things, and has dozens of uses. One thing that duct tape should never be used on, however, is a child’s shoes, especially if the purpose was to prevent the child from removing the shoes while she was at school. Sadly, this really did happen. Westlake Elementary School is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nate and Elizabeth Searcy have two children who were attending the school: their son, Riley, who is six years old, and their daughter Shaylyn, who is eight years old. Shaylyn has Down Syndrome. On Monday, February 4, 2013, the Searcy’s … Continue reading →

Typical Peer Program Teaches Skills and Acceptance

An elementary school in Indiana has started an interesting program. It’s called the Typical Peer Program. It puts a couple of students who do not have special needs into a classroom with students who have special needs. The “typical” peers model behavior, and everyone learns to accept others who are different from themselves. J.B. Stephens Elementary School, in Greenfield, Indiana, has started an innovative preschool program. It is called the Typical Peer Program. I have not heard of any other schools who are doing this. The program is specifically directed to helping children who have special needs. At the start … Continue reading →

How Small Temptations Can Ruin Your Budget

Sometimes it’s not the big expenses that shatter your resolve to save money, it is the small temptations that will get you. It is those small temptations that I, personally, most have to guard against. For example, although my husband and I often like to stop at the Apple store and look at the iPads whenever a new one is released, we aren’t in danger of purchasing one any time soon. It just doesn’t make that much sense to spend that much money when our emergency fund isn’t, well, as fully funded as we would like and we still owe … Continue reading →

New Disney World Attraction: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

The cycle is complete: “Pirates of the Caribbean” was a movie based on a classic Disney World ride.  Now there’s a new Disney World attraction based on the movie that was based on the ride.  The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow is a new immersive walk-through at Disney World that opened on December 6.  The Disney Parks released a behind-the-scenes video with the Imagineers detailing the attraction, and the famous talent that helped bring it to life. The centerpiece of the attraction is the virtual image projected onto the deck of a pirate’s ship: that of Captain Jack Sparrow.  But … Continue reading →

The Temptation of Target

Why is it so easy to spend money at Target? It seems that whenever I go in there for one thing, I wind up coming out with several. This week alone, I have found myself visiting Target three times! I am getting way too comfortable in that store. I’m branching out to the point where I make a stop first at the Starbucks in the store for a small coffee. Yesterday, I ordered a medium one and actually contemplated feeding the kids at the in-store Pizza Hut Express. What is happening to me? I think I miss malls. I was … Continue reading →

The Temptations of the Gift Shop

Yesterday, the extended family went out to a lavish theater production. The sets were amazing, complete with a huge animatronic whale, a “zillion” stars in the theater ceiling and plenty of live animals. Of course, there was the inevitable souvenir shops built into the theater lobby. This place was better than most. There were a few nice quality selections in different price ranges, and nothing was really overpriced. Still, we knew that our budget didn’t account for any additional spending at the gift shop. Sometimes those gift shops can be a real temptation. They are filled with colorful objects that … Continue reading →

More Temptations for Kids

Greeeeaaat. As if parents don’t have enough to worry about, now Burger King is offering home delivery. The fast food restaurant’s announcement came just hours after Food Network star Paula Deen finally revealed her Type 2 diabetes diagnoses (and the fact that she is getting paid to be a spokeswoman for pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk) on NBC’s Today show. Talk about timing. With childhood obesity at an all-time high (and adult waistline’s expanding as much as ever) does this country really need Double Whoppers with cheese and large fries being delivered to our front door? What’s more, do parents really … Continue reading →

Target Silently Promotes Acceptance of Kids With Special Needs

Have you taken a look at this week’s ad from Target? It includes a child who is modeling a bright orange shirt on page nine. It just so happens that this particular little boy has Down Syndrome. Target included him and didn’t feel the need to specifically announce it. By saying nothing, Target is speaking volumes about accepting kids who have special needs. The beautiful little boy in the Target ad has blond hair, blue eyes, and Down Syndrome. His name is Ryan, and he is modeling a bright orange shirt that has a drawing of a motorcycle on it. … Continue reading →

Captain America: The Noblest Avenger

“Avengers, Assemble!” With these words, Captain America calls together the many scattered members of Marvel Comics’ crime-fighting squad. It’s appropriate, then, that Captain America is the subject of Marvel Studios’ last superhero flick before next summer’s “Avengers” ensemble piece. When first perusing the list of this summer’s comic book films I figured I’d give “Captain America” a pass. The straight-laced always-been-a-do-gooder Steve Rogers (the Captain’s alter ego) has less character development than some of his more conflicted counterparts, and thanks to an overabundance of History Channel specials on the topic I’m currently experiencing a little of World War II-era ennui. … Continue reading →

The Temptation of the Farmer’s Market

At first, I was just there for the vegetables. But that is how they get you. The next thing you know, you are bringing along the kids and your husband. Now the whole family is involved. What was once a simple basket of fresh green beans for $2 has turned into a $25 shopping spree of artisan bread, granola and fancy $5 scones. What ever happened to the vegetables? The farmer’s market was such as a good idea at first. My favorite farmer grows his produce organically and has wonderful prices. I’ve gotten fresh peaches that melt in your mouth … Continue reading →